And they called them Christians...

“And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:26

In this small little verse in Acts we see a term that is being used for the first time ever; “Christian.” It was the first time they had ever been giving this mark by other people. This title comes not from the believers in Christ, but from everyone on the outside of things. Everyone around them saw this people who were “Christ-like” or “Christ-natured” and they began to call them Christians. The definition of a Christian is, little Christ or like Christ, or in the very nature of Christ.

As I think about the word Christian, I begin so see some cloudy mire around the surface. There is a whole lot of people and things claiming to be “Christian”, but the sad thing is that I am not to sure that it is a correct interpretation of the word. There are a lot of “Christian” churches who have forgotten the words of Christ and they will not even let the Holy Spirit in their doors. Instead of the “Come and follow me.” from Jesus; it seems as if they heard “Come, sit and wallow.” So much of our churches are full of people who claim Christ, but only if it is convenient or full of “prosperity.” I wonder if we have even realized that we have turned a definition of a way of life into a label or title or something in which rides the backs of candidates to the White House.

But before it seems like I am way off base, let’s look at the early church before they were even given this definitions of their life and livelihood. And let’s look at the other two times this word “Christian” is used…

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“But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine." But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose…” Acts 2:13-15

The Church had felt the Holy Spirit move like a rushing wind into their lives and community. Now the interesting thing is that outsiders perceived them to be drunk on wine, but that was not the case at all. They were “drunk” with the Holy Spirit. Filled and overflowing with intimacy and closeness to God. They were so different that people could only explain there behavior as…they had to be drunk.


“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:44-45

They gave up all they had to support each other and love one another. Today all we do is gossip and pick at each others flaws and imperfections. They were quite the opposite, if one was hurting or in need they gave freely because God had freely given to them as well. I wish I could see this more in churches, people giving their money, time, and even their lives for the sake of others and the sake of Christ.


“But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.” Acts 3:6-7

They were doing amazing signs and wonders in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter had nothing more than the Christ to give to people. Most of us, have much more than Peter could have dreamed of but we don’t use it for God’s glory. And even more so, we rarely share or confess the name of Christ to people who are in need.



“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31

They were filled with boldness in their devotion and proclamation of God. Time and time again we see that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Always, the spirit was with them and leading them in the ways of the Lord with utter boldness.



“and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:40-42

They suffered for Christ! Enough said, they suffered for the sake of the Gospel and of Christ because of its “surpassing worth” to them. I rarely see anyone in the American Church who actually suffers for the gospel. Instead, we avoid persecution and we say they people don’t get persecuted for their faith in America. But that is not true, if fact most people avoid confirmation or persecution by not even mentioning the name of Jesus. Instead it is “politically correct” to say God because it’s all inclusive. The apostles proclaimed Christ and got beaten over it, yet they went away rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer in the name of Christ Jesus.


Acts 7
We see Stephen teaching the Gospel of Christ and being persecuted for it. He is then stoned to death because of his challenge to the authority and high priests.


Act 8
Saul ravages and persecutes the early church and kills many, yet the church grows larger because of their boldness in proclaiming the gospel and showing love to others.


Acts 9
Saul is now converted to a follower of Christ and his new name become Paul. And God sends Ananias to minister to Paul about Christ. And Paul then goes and proclaims the gospel to they synagogues and to the gentiles.

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And then we look at the other two times “Christian” is used in Scripture.


“Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Acts 26:28

Paul’s life was about the spreading of the gospel and in his time he had contact with many people. One person he came in contact was King Agrippa. But because of the stand and life of Paul people noticed something different.


“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:12-16

Once again, the term “Christian” is used in reference to the way we suffer for the sake of Christ and what we live for in Him. If we take a stand for Christ, we are going to suffer.

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And then we come back to our original verse, “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Now it may seem like this big run around answer to a simple question, but the true of the matter is that it was needed to look at that in small debrief.

If you noticed these people who would eventually be called Christians were doing great and mighty things in the Lord Jesus Christ. It wasn’t a title or cheesy t-shirt label. It was more than that, it was a way of life. It was a way of letting Christ define who you are and what you are. It was about showing love and proclaiming the great story of love for you and for me.

The question is, are we living up to the word “Christian” according to scripture or the apathetic and complacent view of “Christians” in America?

"I Will Build My Church"

For the past weeks I have been look at a few verses over and over again. And one that I keep coming to is Matthew 16:18, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus was giving a proclamation to Peter saying you will be apart of my Holy and solid Church. He was essentially saying, “My church is an ever-growing and unstoppable Church.” This undeserving group of people (very much myself as well) who were rooted in “Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16) would assemble in such a way that nothing could stop them from fulfilling the commands and purposes of God.

At first thought, I think “WOW!” To think that for some reason or another I am apart of this unstoppable force of God is speechless. And then my mind starts to trail off and the next question enters my mind, “If this God willed, ordained Church is so unstoppable, then why does the American “Church” (and I use that word loosely for some) seem so stoppable?”

And I wonder, when Jesus was dying on the cross did he ever think He was dying for money, programs, air conditioned/heated buildings, extravagant “get you in the door” ministries, tight worship bands, expensive sound systems, Christian books, blogs, podcasts, cheesy lingo…? I wonder…

What if we got rid of all those things and all we had were just a few people and some bibles. Would the Church still be as large as it is? Would our pews be as full? If we stood only on the Word and the promises of God, would it still be what it is in America? I don’t think it would. I am saddened by idea that if the church was just people and the Word of God, that it would be smaller.

But, and a big BUT! I think that if the Church was literally just a few passionate people who stood on the Word of God and lived in His grace, then that church will be unstoppable. That is the Church that Christ died for and that is the Church we see all through the book of Acts. And that is the Church that I hope to see one day in America, and hopefully the Church that I hope to work in and with.

“I will build my church” I am reminded about that statement each time I read it. Christ will build His church, and I will be apart of it REGARDLESS of whatever happens.
I was reminded that in spite of the mess we have created, it was so good to know that God will build his church.